Sunday, November 29
So I’m not sure why Jaipur is referred to as the Paris of India, or even if it is. Sometimes I think that people tell me things because I’m so gullible. Either way, I’m so glad we went. I think this was my favorite day in India. Even if it was a four hour drive there and five back!
My day started at 6am with a call from my hubby! Always a great way to start the day! I miss him so much and can’t wait for him to be here so I can get hugs and show him this amazing country. After a short chat, it was off for a quick shower and the race downstairs for breakfast. We were on the road to Jaipur a little before 8am!
Along the four hour drive, we saw monkeys, elephants, and lots and lots of camels. Delhi, where I “live” and work is very flat. All of the sudden, about half way to Jaipur, out of nowhere, appears a mountain. Well, at least very, very large pile of dirt. The closer we got to our final destination, both the size and number increased. As it turns out, Jaipur is in the mountains!
We visited Amber Fort first where we were able to take some very neat pictures of the city below. We saw the world’s largest cannon on wheels. And, we got to see an Indian puppet show! Super neat! I have so many pictures I look forward to when I get back to the States!
Next it was off to my personal favorite, Tiger Palace. This was the palace for the seven queens and two concubines, for a total of nine wives of the king, all living in the same house! The palace it’s self was spectacular with hand painted walls that have lasted over 300 years and separate dwellings for each of the nine wives. The stories that the guide shared with us… even better. There is a special enclosed walkway that was just for the king. The walkway allowed the king to travel between wives without causing unnecessary jealousy! HaHa! There is no way that would fly at my house! I’m the one and only type! (interjection by Devin- so she thinks! ;-)
We took a driven tour of the rest of the city, including a stop at a fabric manufacture to watch them hand print the beautiful fabrics! Oh and I tried on a sari! I didn’t buy it, it was a little out of my price range, but I am totally determined to find one now!! ;-) After a bite to eat at the mall, it was back in the car for the very long ride back to the hotel.
Today was truly an amazing day! Very worth the drive! The only thing that would make it better, Devin being here. But the good news, he’ll be here a month from today! ;-)
With love,
Eli
Countdown to Devin: 30 days…
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Day 85: Another Perspective
Nov. 28th
This is Devin, checking in as the month comes to a close. This has officially been the longest month of my life! I thought having Elizabeth gone would be almost fun, like before when i was single...so i could do all the things I did back them.
I am so boredit's crazy. The things that were fun at 21, 22 aren't as apprealing in my mid 20's. And lets not even talk about night time. I hate going to bed with nothing but my pillow to sunggle! :-(
It's not all bad though. I've been crazy busy at the church. I'm trying to get a computer check in system up and running. It's not working the way I want it to, so that's causing delay. Of course, it would be too easy for it to jus work! Such is life.
This coming week I am doing 2 chapel services and preaching in the adult service on Sunday the 6th. And I also work part time at Family Christian Bookstores for the holiday season. Apparently I thought it would be a good idea to have something to do...Now I'm just tired! I knew there was a reason I got out of retail-and the Christmas shopping season is it!
Thankfully I am going to be heading to india. At least I better be, since the tickets are bought. I don't think its a good investment to spend all that money and watch the plane fly off without me. So, for the scond time in my life I get to be an international traveler to literally the other side of the world! I won't be going until December, so I have some time to pack. Thank God! Usually I would let Elizabeth handle that, but this time that isn't really an option...
Well, that's all that's new here. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! Until next month...
DR. K
This is Devin, checking in as the month comes to a close. This has officially been the longest month of my life! I thought having Elizabeth gone would be almost fun, like before when i was single...so i could do all the things I did back them.
I am so boredit's crazy. The things that were fun at 21, 22 aren't as apprealing in my mid 20's. And lets not even talk about night time. I hate going to bed with nothing but my pillow to sunggle! :-(
It's not all bad though. I've been crazy busy at the church. I'm trying to get a computer check in system up and running. It's not working the way I want it to, so that's causing delay. Of course, it would be too easy for it to jus work! Such is life.
This coming week I am doing 2 chapel services and preaching in the adult service on Sunday the 6th. And I also work part time at Family Christian Bookstores for the holiday season. Apparently I thought it would be a good idea to have something to do...Now I'm just tired! I knew there was a reason I got out of retail-and the Christmas shopping season is it!
Thankfully I am going to be heading to india. At least I better be, since the tickets are bought. I don't think its a good investment to spend all that money and watch the plane fly off without me. So, for the scond time in my life I get to be an international traveler to literally the other side of the world! I won't be going until December, so I have some time to pack. Thank God! Usually I would let Elizabeth handle that, but this time that isn't really an option...
Well, that's all that's new here. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! Until next month...
DR. K
Friday, November 27, 2009
Day 84: Memoirs of a Geisha
Friday, November 27
I finished Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden several days ago, but I wanted to wait until after I watched the movie to share my thoughts. Of course, the movie was not as good as the book, but isn’t that always the case! On to the review…
This book is a sort of auto biography of the fictional character, Sayuri. Although born Chiyo-chan in a small fishing village in the early 1900’s, her family sold her to an “okiya” or geisha house when she was nine years old. The first third of the book is about the trials and tribulations that took this daughter of an old fisherman, to be one of the most beautiful geisha Japan had ever seen. The descriptions of the cruelty and triumphs this young lady underwent made this book next to impossible to put down.
Along the way, you find yourself wishing you too could become a geisha. To be dressed to the nines, made up every night, and paid to attend one fabulous party after another. About that time you have decided to move to Japan, you are reminded of what life as a geisha is really like. Flirting with men you find repulsive, being “owned” by the mother of the okiya for all the “debts” she feels you owe her, and the worse, having your most precious gift auctioned off like cattle at the livestock barn. I felt like I was a on a roller coaster of emotions as to whether I pity or envy the life of Sayuri.
After her “mizuage” went for the highest price in history, Sayuri spent years loving the man that had been kind to her as a child. The one man that was untouchable since his business partner and literal life saver is in love with Sayuri and desires to become her danna, or provider/lover.
The book takes Sayuri through World War II when she works as a cloth dyer for a kimono maker and to the reopening of the geisha districts. Once back as a geisha, the reader is drawn further into the geisha world as the American soldiers enter the picture and life goes back to being a constant party. As the book grows closer to an end, a trip to a vacation island, finds Sayuri at the turning point of her life!
This book is a wonderful display of self discovery and the power of positive thinking! While there are a few scenes that are on the mature side, I highly recommend this book for anyone over the age of 18. The history of the book alone is informative and intriguing, add to that a wonderful story line and I give this book four out of five stars!
With love,
Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 40 days…
I finished Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden several days ago, but I wanted to wait until after I watched the movie to share my thoughts. Of course, the movie was not as good as the book, but isn’t that always the case! On to the review…
This book is a sort of auto biography of the fictional character, Sayuri. Although born Chiyo-chan in a small fishing village in the early 1900’s, her family sold her to an “okiya” or geisha house when she was nine years old. The first third of the book is about the trials and tribulations that took this daughter of an old fisherman, to be one of the most beautiful geisha Japan had ever seen. The descriptions of the cruelty and triumphs this young lady underwent made this book next to impossible to put down.
Along the way, you find yourself wishing you too could become a geisha. To be dressed to the nines, made up every night, and paid to attend one fabulous party after another. About that time you have decided to move to Japan, you are reminded of what life as a geisha is really like. Flirting with men you find repulsive, being “owned” by the mother of the okiya for all the “debts” she feels you owe her, and the worse, having your most precious gift auctioned off like cattle at the livestock barn. I felt like I was a on a roller coaster of emotions as to whether I pity or envy the life of Sayuri.
After her “mizuage” went for the highest price in history, Sayuri spent years loving the man that had been kind to her as a child. The one man that was untouchable since his business partner and literal life saver is in love with Sayuri and desires to become her danna, or provider/lover.
The book takes Sayuri through World War II when she works as a cloth dyer for a kimono maker and to the reopening of the geisha districts. Once back as a geisha, the reader is drawn further into the geisha world as the American soldiers enter the picture and life goes back to being a constant party. As the book grows closer to an end, a trip to a vacation island, finds Sayuri at the turning point of her life!
This book is a wonderful display of self discovery and the power of positive thinking! While there are a few scenes that are on the mature side, I highly recommend this book for anyone over the age of 18. The history of the book alone is informative and intriguing, add to that a wonderful story line and I give this book four out of five stars!
With love,
Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 40 days…
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Day 83: Happy Thanks!
Thursday, November 26
Well this has defiantly been one of the most interesting Thanksgivings I have ever experienced. Of course the lack of Turkey and Dressing is a first, but no family time was really something I was dreading. However, today has turned out to be quite nice actually.
I “started” the day by staying up when I get home from work last night until the breakfast bar opened. So worth it! I had a rather random selection of foods, everything from a raspberry pancake to an Indian dish that tasted a whole lot like chili! And of course lots of coffee and juice!
After breakfast, I finally went to bed with the intention of only sleeping a couple hours and then getting up and going to the pool. I made it to the pool, but it wasn’t two hours after I went to bed. Once I finally woke up and got to the pool, I was in a form of heaven on earth! There are waterfalls that make a continuous peaceful noise. A pool attendant brings you a bottle of water and anything else you want! Oh yea, and there are huge fluffy towels and the most comfortable lawn chairs ever!
I spent several hours lounging and enjoying some sunshine. I read half of my new book, Shades of Blue by Karen Kingsbury. I finished Memories of a Geisha and I’m going to watch the movie tonight and do my “review” tomorrow. After the sun went down, it got very cool, very quick. I went to the spa to enjoy the hot tub and sauna.
After warming up, I got ready for dinner and met up with a couple of the other ladies. We headed to the mall for dinner at India’s version of an Applebee’s, a restaurant called India Joe. Food was pretty good and is a place I’d be willing to head back to again. On the way out of the mall, I had a scoop of gelato to finish my Thanksgiving meal. Ok if I can’t have pumpkin cheesecake and sweet potato soufflé then I can at least have a little ice cream! ;-)
When I came back to my room, there was a fruit crisp type of dessert on plate and written in chocolate “Happy Thanks.” I’m not sure if this was due lack of room for the rest. Or maybe a thought for what today is truly all about. Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks. Thanks can only be given with a joyful heart, otherwise, it’s not sincere. Maybe this wasn’t a “misprint” after all…
All in all, this has been a beautiful day! While I have missed my family and traditional foods, it is even easier than usually to think of all the things I’m thankful for while in a developing country! I hope you all have a wonderfully happy Thanksgiving!
With love,
Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 41 days…
Well this has defiantly been one of the most interesting Thanksgivings I have ever experienced. Of course the lack of Turkey and Dressing is a first, but no family time was really something I was dreading. However, today has turned out to be quite nice actually.
I “started” the day by staying up when I get home from work last night until the breakfast bar opened. So worth it! I had a rather random selection of foods, everything from a raspberry pancake to an Indian dish that tasted a whole lot like chili! And of course lots of coffee and juice!
After breakfast, I finally went to bed with the intention of only sleeping a couple hours and then getting up and going to the pool. I made it to the pool, but it wasn’t two hours after I went to bed. Once I finally woke up and got to the pool, I was in a form of heaven on earth! There are waterfalls that make a continuous peaceful noise. A pool attendant brings you a bottle of water and anything else you want! Oh yea, and there are huge fluffy towels and the most comfortable lawn chairs ever!
I spent several hours lounging and enjoying some sunshine. I read half of my new book, Shades of Blue by Karen Kingsbury. I finished Memories of a Geisha and I’m going to watch the movie tonight and do my “review” tomorrow. After the sun went down, it got very cool, very quick. I went to the spa to enjoy the hot tub and sauna.
After warming up, I got ready for dinner and met up with a couple of the other ladies. We headed to the mall for dinner at India’s version of an Applebee’s, a restaurant called India Joe. Food was pretty good and is a place I’d be willing to head back to again. On the way out of the mall, I had a scoop of gelato to finish my Thanksgiving meal. Ok if I can’t have pumpkin cheesecake and sweet potato soufflé then I can at least have a little ice cream! ;-)
When I came back to my room, there was a fruit crisp type of dessert on plate and written in chocolate “Happy Thanks.” I’m not sure if this was due lack of room for the rest. Or maybe a thought for what today is truly all about. Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks. Thanks can only be given with a joyful heart, otherwise, it’s not sincere. Maybe this wasn’t a “misprint” after all…
All in all, this has been a beautiful day! While I have missed my family and traditional foods, it is even easier than usually to think of all the things I’m thankful for while in a developing country! I hope you all have a wonderfully happy Thanksgiving!
With love,
Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 41 days…
Day 82: So it’s Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 25
Today was somewhat of an interesting day. It started with the usually trip to the mall for a bite and then off to work. Interestingly enough, that it when things got interesting!
In our “morning” drill down call, we found out that we are going to be moving hotels. How do I feel about this you might ask? Well, I’m not very exciting about saying good bye to all my friends here at the Leela. And I will greatly miss the mall being so close with the KFC and quick access to movies. It figures that we are moving to the new hotel the day that “New Moon” premiers in India!
But on the upside, we are moving to the Marriot, read free hotel stay in the States thanks to Marriot points! Also, the Leela only has one restaurant open during the day and it serves the same menu as room service. The other two only open at night when we are at work. The Marriot has four restaurants, one of which is a café with sandwiches and coffee! From the pictures of the rooms, they look to be almost as nice as my current princess lair, but the verdict is still out on the bathroom. I couldn’t see enough of it in the picture to decide.
The best part of the move, we will be the some of the first guest to stay at the hotel. They are opening the day before we make the change. How cool will it be to be some of the first guests? Plus, Joy seems to think we will have lots of perks as some of their first guest too! Should be fun and I think the Marriot points alone will make it a better deal!
The next interesting moment, having Thanksgiving start while I was a work! It’s kind of weird because we work the same hours here that we work back home. However, due to the time difference we go into work on one day, and leave on another day. The same thing will happen Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve as well. I will say the other two should be more excited, but still it was neat to get all the Happy Thanksgiving wishes at midnight! Even if I did have to explain why we celebrate Thanksgiving and that turkey and dressing is not the same as a turkey in a dress!
Currently, I am trying to figure out how I want to spend my day off while staying awake long enough to go down for the breakfast buffet. The pool is sounding pretty good as an option and maybe even a movie, assuming that I can find one I want to see that is playing in English! I’ll let you know how it all turns out tomorrow!
With Love,
Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 42 days…
Today was somewhat of an interesting day. It started with the usually trip to the mall for a bite and then off to work. Interestingly enough, that it when things got interesting!
In our “morning” drill down call, we found out that we are going to be moving hotels. How do I feel about this you might ask? Well, I’m not very exciting about saying good bye to all my friends here at the Leela. And I will greatly miss the mall being so close with the KFC and quick access to movies. It figures that we are moving to the new hotel the day that “New Moon” premiers in India!
But on the upside, we are moving to the Marriot, read free hotel stay in the States thanks to Marriot points! Also, the Leela only has one restaurant open during the day and it serves the same menu as room service. The other two only open at night when we are at work. The Marriot has four restaurants, one of which is a café with sandwiches and coffee! From the pictures of the rooms, they look to be almost as nice as my current princess lair, but the verdict is still out on the bathroom. I couldn’t see enough of it in the picture to decide.
The best part of the move, we will be the some of the first guest to stay at the hotel. They are opening the day before we make the change. How cool will it be to be some of the first guests? Plus, Joy seems to think we will have lots of perks as some of their first guest too! Should be fun and I think the Marriot points alone will make it a better deal!
The next interesting moment, having Thanksgiving start while I was a work! It’s kind of weird because we work the same hours here that we work back home. However, due to the time difference we go into work on one day, and leave on another day. The same thing will happen Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve as well. I will say the other two should be more excited, but still it was neat to get all the Happy Thanksgiving wishes at midnight! Even if I did have to explain why we celebrate Thanksgiving and that turkey and dressing is not the same as a turkey in a dress!
Currently, I am trying to figure out how I want to spend my day off while staying awake long enough to go down for the breakfast buffet. The pool is sounding pretty good as an option and maybe even a movie, assuming that I can find one I want to see that is playing in English! I’ll let you know how it all turns out tomorrow!
With Love,
Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 42 days…
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Day 81: Exciting News!
Tuesday, November 24
So today’s blog isn’t going to be very long. I don’t have a lot to share about my day except for my tidbit of exciting news but I’ll get to that momentarily….
Since my buddies went home, I have ordered room service and not left my room other than going to work. This is about as exciting as watching a oak tree grow, so I have made plans to go to the mall with one of the new ladies tomorrow. Hopefully this will lead to a little excitement or at least something other than the three beautiful walls and picturesque window of my princess lair.
I know that what I had to eat today is not suppose to be the point of my blog, but I had something new today. Room service has an option for grilled tiger prawns. I have eyed this multiple times but wasn’t sure it was going to be worth what they were charging for it. However, the need for variety outweighed my frugalness and I decided to indulge. SO AMAZING!! It came as two of the biggest shrimp/small lobsters I have ever seen, served on a bed of roasted veggies and risotto. It was very rich, but also very delicious!
Oh and then there is the exciting news! And you thought I forgot! I got a final interview for the major promotion I applied for back in August! I have the last interview on Friday. I am still a little in shock, but super excited of course! Say a little prayer. This would be a big step for me, but I’m ready!
I going to call it a night and get some rest! Thank you to each of you that has left messages and kept in touch! I really appreciate all the love and support I have received!
With Love,
Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 43 days…
So today’s blog isn’t going to be very long. I don’t have a lot to share about my day except for my tidbit of exciting news but I’ll get to that momentarily….
Since my buddies went home, I have ordered room service and not left my room other than going to work. This is about as exciting as watching a oak tree grow, so I have made plans to go to the mall with one of the new ladies tomorrow. Hopefully this will lead to a little excitement or at least something other than the three beautiful walls and picturesque window of my princess lair.
I know that what I had to eat today is not suppose to be the point of my blog, but I had something new today. Room service has an option for grilled tiger prawns. I have eyed this multiple times but wasn’t sure it was going to be worth what they were charging for it. However, the need for variety outweighed my frugalness and I decided to indulge. SO AMAZING!! It came as two of the biggest shrimp/small lobsters I have ever seen, served on a bed of roasted veggies and risotto. It was very rich, but also very delicious!
Oh and then there is the exciting news! And you thought I forgot! I got a final interview for the major promotion I applied for back in August! I have the last interview on Friday. I am still a little in shock, but super excited of course! Say a little prayer. This would be a big step for me, but I’m ready!
I going to call it a night and get some rest! Thank you to each of you that has left messages and kept in touch! I really appreciate all the love and support I have received!
With Love,
Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 43 days…
Day 80: All The Things I Forgot to Put in Yesterday’s Blog
Monday, November 23
I realize that this is a rather random title for a blog, but I when recapping my weekend at work today, I decided I had left out some rather humorous moments about my adventure with Joy. Yesterday was such a busy, exciting day I just couldn’t get it all into one blog anyway, so it’s a good thing that it’s going to be over two. That and the fact that other than the delicious Indian food, that was SOOOO much better than cold McDonald’s, nothing terribly exciting happened today.
So I talked about the insanely packed rail car on the Metro, but I forgot to tell about the ride back on the Metro. I’m not sure how it worked out this way, but when we switched trains to go back to where we got on, the car only had about 10 people, and five of them were my group. The hand rails on the Metro here are little red loops. They remind me of a sort of monkey bar set you would find on a playground back home.
Since we were all but the only ones on the train, we were free to move about the cabin. Linda decided that the handle loops looked like something that one should attempt to put their foot in. Joy is about 5’6” and Linda a little shorter. As the tallest by far, I was nominated to attempt to get my foot to the loop. The best part, I actually could get my foot that high!! LOL! I couldn’t get my foot into the loop, but I was rather surprised/proud that I could get my foot to even touch the handle bar!!
The other hysterical moment, me being offered my first Indian drink. Oh but it gets better, it was Jack Daniels!! I grew up 30 minutes from where that stuff was made and I’m offered a shot in India. But this story gets even more outrageous, the guy that offered it to me was one of THREE grown men riding on a single motorcycle going down the interstate and I was in my taxi!
When I caught this guy staring at me at a light, I gave a simple smile, the best way to handle those that stare. As traffic let up and we were back to driving 95 kph, he held up his bottle and mouthed “want some.” I started laughing and had to bust out the camera for this one! When I rolled down the window to take a picture, he held out his hand for me to shake! Keep in mind we are going at least 60 mph down the interstate in crazy India traffic. Now was this really a good idea!! I took the picture and rolled up the window, laughing till my sides hurt the whole time!
Well that about sums up the funniest moments of yesterday!
Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 44 days…
Devin's interjected thoughts: My wife is crazy!
I realize that this is a rather random title for a blog, but I when recapping my weekend at work today, I decided I had left out some rather humorous moments about my adventure with Joy. Yesterday was such a busy, exciting day I just couldn’t get it all into one blog anyway, so it’s a good thing that it’s going to be over two. That and the fact that other than the delicious Indian food, that was SOOOO much better than cold McDonald’s, nothing terribly exciting happened today.
So I talked about the insanely packed rail car on the Metro, but I forgot to tell about the ride back on the Metro. I’m not sure how it worked out this way, but when we switched trains to go back to where we got on, the car only had about 10 people, and five of them were my group. The hand rails on the Metro here are little red loops. They remind me of a sort of monkey bar set you would find on a playground back home.
Since we were all but the only ones on the train, we were free to move about the cabin. Linda decided that the handle loops looked like something that one should attempt to put their foot in. Joy is about 5’6” and Linda a little shorter. As the tallest by far, I was nominated to attempt to get my foot to the loop. The best part, I actually could get my foot that high!! LOL! I couldn’t get my foot into the loop, but I was rather surprised/proud that I could get my foot to even touch the handle bar!!
The other hysterical moment, me being offered my first Indian drink. Oh but it gets better, it was Jack Daniels!! I grew up 30 minutes from where that stuff was made and I’m offered a shot in India. But this story gets even more outrageous, the guy that offered it to me was one of THREE grown men riding on a single motorcycle going down the interstate and I was in my taxi!
When I caught this guy staring at me at a light, I gave a simple smile, the best way to handle those that stare. As traffic let up and we were back to driving 95 kph, he held up his bottle and mouthed “want some.” I started laughing and had to bust out the camera for this one! When I rolled down the window to take a picture, he held out his hand for me to shake! Keep in mind we are going at least 60 mph down the interstate in crazy India traffic. Now was this really a good idea!! I took the picture and rolled up the window, laughing till my sides hurt the whole time!
Well that about sums up the funniest moments of yesterday!
Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 44 days…
Devin's interjected thoughts: My wife is crazy!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Day 79: The Joy of Adventure
Sunday, November 22
I woke up this morning with no alarm at all at 7:38 am. I have seen 7 am many times since coming to India; however, it is usually on the other side of sleeping. While this was crazy early, it was wonderful to watch the sun move across the morning sky.
I also was able to go to breakfast and have fresh squeezed orange juice! I ate blueberry pancakes, which had lots, not just one like my muffin, of blueberries. I also had fresh pineapple and roasted potatoes. Oh and French press coffee of course!
After a very relaxing morning, I meet up with my friend Joy from Jackson. She was actually the one that encouraged me to apply for the company that has now given me this amazing Indian experience. Linda, the new lady, and two other folks from work, joined us for a trip all over Delhi. So technically, we only went to one temple, a grocery store, and rode the Metro, but we managed to go all over the city!
After about an hour and half in the van, we arrived at a huge temple complex that had just been completed last year. I have no idea was god it was for, but it was all hand carved over a seven year time frame. They wouldn’t let us take our cameras with us, so all I have are pictures from afar. However, Joy and Linda had group photos taken so maybe I can get in out that action and posted on Facebook. We also had popcorn at the temple! Go figure! It was really good though! And the temple was beautiful, and incredibly detailed.
Afterwards, it was a trip on the Delhi Metro. Imagine the most packed train you can imagine. I mean every sit taken, every hand rail in use, every square inch has a foot on it. Got a good mental image of a human sardine can? Now add about 250 more people per car and that was my Indian subway experience! It really was quit hysterical! Every time the train stopped I had about 800 people leaning on me! We had the pleasure of being in the very back of our car! But I’m glad we did it. It really was something I will never forget!
After my adventure with Joy, it was off to dinner at the Indian restaurant. I had some amazing Murgh Makhni (a delicious chicken dish), a taste of Gosht Beliram (a mutton dish), rice, and of course Naan! So yummie! I might have a blister on my tongue from all the chilies, but oh man! It is so good!
Now I’m sitting in my room struggling to stay awake till my “normal” bed time so I can sleep enough to not be tired tomorrow night at work. Also, tomorrow I’m determined to get up and go to the gym. There are FREE personal trainers down there and I need to take advantage! I’ll let you know how it goes! ;-)
Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 45 days…
I woke up this morning with no alarm at all at 7:38 am. I have seen 7 am many times since coming to India; however, it is usually on the other side of sleeping. While this was crazy early, it was wonderful to watch the sun move across the morning sky.
I also was able to go to breakfast and have fresh squeezed orange juice! I ate blueberry pancakes, which had lots, not just one like my muffin, of blueberries. I also had fresh pineapple and roasted potatoes. Oh and French press coffee of course!
After a very relaxing morning, I meet up with my friend Joy from Jackson. She was actually the one that encouraged me to apply for the company that has now given me this amazing Indian experience. Linda, the new lady, and two other folks from work, joined us for a trip all over Delhi. So technically, we only went to one temple, a grocery store, and rode the Metro, but we managed to go all over the city!
After about an hour and half in the van, we arrived at a huge temple complex that had just been completed last year. I have no idea was god it was for, but it was all hand carved over a seven year time frame. They wouldn’t let us take our cameras with us, so all I have are pictures from afar. However, Joy and Linda had group photos taken so maybe I can get in out that action and posted on Facebook. We also had popcorn at the temple! Go figure! It was really good though! And the temple was beautiful, and incredibly detailed.
Afterwards, it was a trip on the Delhi Metro. Imagine the most packed train you can imagine. I mean every sit taken, every hand rail in use, every square inch has a foot on it. Got a good mental image of a human sardine can? Now add about 250 more people per car and that was my Indian subway experience! It really was quit hysterical! Every time the train stopped I had about 800 people leaning on me! We had the pleasure of being in the very back of our car! But I’m glad we did it. It really was something I will never forget!
After my adventure with Joy, it was off to dinner at the Indian restaurant. I had some amazing Murgh Makhni (a delicious chicken dish), a taste of Gosht Beliram (a mutton dish), rice, and of course Naan! So yummie! I might have a blister on my tongue from all the chilies, but oh man! It is so good!
Now I’m sitting in my room struggling to stay awake till my “normal” bed time so I can sleep enough to not be tired tomorrow night at work. Also, tomorrow I’m determined to get up and go to the gym. There are FREE personal trainers down there and I need to take advantage! I’ll let you know how it goes! ;-)
Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 45 days…
Day 78: Friends Are Friends Forever!
Saturday, November 21
So today was spent with my new friend Monica before she left to go home. Monica is one of the sweetest people I have met in a long time. She reminds me so much of Amy, it really has made this experience easier to adjust to. Don’t get me wrong, Amy is a one and only, but Monica has the same sweet caring personality and is tall and blonde to boot! ;-)
Today we slept in till late afternoon. No sneering, remember, we don’t get home from work till around 4:30 am and it was well after 7 am before either of us got to sleep. We stayed up chatting and hanging out and then Monica had a little packing still to do.
After finally dragging our tails out of bed, it was off to the mall. We had a cup of coffee and I had a blueberry muffin. Ok so by blueberry muffin, I mean blueberry, not to be confused with blueberries. Tis true, there was one blueberry in my muffin. But it was still really good so no complaints.
Next it was to the Indian version of Sears meets Target with a touch of Barnes and Noble, a store called Reliance. They have a little of everything from books and ties to dresses and maps. Monica and I had fun finding a few more things for her to take home to hear family.
Once all the new items were stored away in Monica’s room, it was upstairs to the Italian restaurant for one more round of Pumpkin Ravioli. Yum! We decided to split an apple pie dessert. While quite tasty, it was not like any pie I’ve ever had. It was like a pancake with caramel sauce and very thinly sliced apples.
Once dinner was over, it was time for Monica to catch her ride to the airport. After a few tears and big hugs, she rode away to the catch a plane back to the States. I’m sad to have her go, but I’m excited for her to be back with her boys and to get to spend the holidays with her family.
Now, I’m up in my room getting ready to go to bed. Tomorrow is going to be sightseeing with Joy!
Until then…
Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 46 days…
So today was spent with my new friend Monica before she left to go home. Monica is one of the sweetest people I have met in a long time. She reminds me so much of Amy, it really has made this experience easier to adjust to. Don’t get me wrong, Amy is a one and only, but Monica has the same sweet caring personality and is tall and blonde to boot! ;-)
Today we slept in till late afternoon. No sneering, remember, we don’t get home from work till around 4:30 am and it was well after 7 am before either of us got to sleep. We stayed up chatting and hanging out and then Monica had a little packing still to do.
After finally dragging our tails out of bed, it was off to the mall. We had a cup of coffee and I had a blueberry muffin. Ok so by blueberry muffin, I mean blueberry, not to be confused with blueberries. Tis true, there was one blueberry in my muffin. But it was still really good so no complaints.
Next it was to the Indian version of Sears meets Target with a touch of Barnes and Noble, a store called Reliance. They have a little of everything from books and ties to dresses and maps. Monica and I had fun finding a few more things for her to take home to hear family.
Once all the new items were stored away in Monica’s room, it was upstairs to the Italian restaurant for one more round of Pumpkin Ravioli. Yum! We decided to split an apple pie dessert. While quite tasty, it was not like any pie I’ve ever had. It was like a pancake with caramel sauce and very thinly sliced apples.
Once dinner was over, it was time for Monica to catch her ride to the airport. After a few tears and big hugs, she rode away to the catch a plane back to the States. I’m sad to have her go, but I’m excited for her to be back with her boys and to get to spend the holidays with her family.
Now, I’m up in my room getting ready to go to bed. Tomorrow is going to be sightseeing with Joy!
Until then…
Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 46 days…
Day 77: Casual Friday
Friday, November 20
There are few things in this world that make work as exciting as casual Fridays. I’m not sure what it is about not having to dress up and being able to wear tennis shoes to work that make me giddy inside, like a college girl. After dressing up all week, it’s just a day everyone “lets their hair down.”
Tonight was made even better by all the festive activities. First, tonight was my dear Monica’s last night here in India. Her team threw her a little going away party including a chocolate cake and tons of pictures. She also received several nice gifts from different people, including a beautiful necklace and a tea.
Next, George, one of the other floor supports, had promised some of his guys that he would grow out his beard and try on a turban. Tonight was the night. After a couple weeks of not shaving his face, he looked almost convincing as a native. Ok not really, but it was absolutely hysterical! I Literally, I was doubled over laughing till my sides hurt!
Lastly, they have started an incentive program at the office here. In an effort to jump start the program, they handed out gifts to the top producers on each team. It was really cool to see how excited the teams got for their winner. No jealousy, no animosity, just genuine pride in each other’s hard work! It was a refreshing take on the work world. I will say I’m sure it helps that the average age of the advisors is probably 22. Maybe they just haven’t been in the work force long enough to learn the cruelty of jealous coworkers. Or maybe that is just an American thing… Hmmm, something to think about!
I’ll think about it tomorrow, I’m going to bed for now! ;-)
With Love,
Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 47 days…
There are few things in this world that make work as exciting as casual Fridays. I’m not sure what it is about not having to dress up and being able to wear tennis shoes to work that make me giddy inside, like a college girl. After dressing up all week, it’s just a day everyone “lets their hair down.”
Tonight was made even better by all the festive activities. First, tonight was my dear Monica’s last night here in India. Her team threw her a little going away party including a chocolate cake and tons of pictures. She also received several nice gifts from different people, including a beautiful necklace and a tea.
Next, George, one of the other floor supports, had promised some of his guys that he would grow out his beard and try on a turban. Tonight was the night. After a couple weeks of not shaving his face, he looked almost convincing as a native. Ok not really, but it was absolutely hysterical! I Literally, I was doubled over laughing till my sides hurt!
Lastly, they have started an incentive program at the office here. In an effort to jump start the program, they handed out gifts to the top producers on each team. It was really cool to see how excited the teams got for their winner. No jealousy, no animosity, just genuine pride in each other’s hard work! It was a refreshing take on the work world. I will say I’m sure it helps that the average age of the advisors is probably 22. Maybe they just haven’t been in the work force long enough to learn the cruelty of jealous coworkers. Or maybe that is just an American thing… Hmmm, something to think about!
I’ll think about it tomorrow, I’m going to bed for now! ;-)
With Love,
Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 47 days…
Day 76: Is it Friday Yet?
Thursday, November 19
Why is it that no matter how good, or bad for that matter, a week is, we always look forward to Friday? This Thursday is no different. I’m not even sure I have anything specific that I’m looking forward to. In fact, I kind of dread this weekend because my two buddies are going back to the states. Lisa heads home tomorrow, tonight was her last night. And Monica leaves Saturday night. Nonetheless, once again I find myself in another Thursday wishing for the weekend.
I remember being little and Grandmother always telling me not to wish my life away when I would “wish” I was my sister’s age so I could do the cool stuff she did. With the exception of Thursdays, I tend to live by my Grandmother’s advice. It seems like my life, as it turns out goes by entirely too fast without any wishing!
Take for instance the fact that my ten year high school reunion is just over a year away! I’ve been out of college for five years already! I had my dream wedding to my prince charming almost two years ago! And I’m already three weeks into my India trip! I guess its true, time does fly when you’re having fun.
I’ll have to find some new kinds of fun come Sunday though, since my buddies will be gone. Good thing I have only watched one of the movies I brought and still have a slew of books to read. Plus, my friend Joy, that will be here till the beginning of December, has lots of fun things planned for the weekends. Too bad she’s the one that works such different hours during the week.
Ok well since technically it is already Friday, I suppose I will wrap it up and call it a night. I hope you all are doing well and know I miss you all!
With Love,
Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 48 days…
Why is it that no matter how good, or bad for that matter, a week is, we always look forward to Friday? This Thursday is no different. I’m not even sure I have anything specific that I’m looking forward to. In fact, I kind of dread this weekend because my two buddies are going back to the states. Lisa heads home tomorrow, tonight was her last night. And Monica leaves Saturday night. Nonetheless, once again I find myself in another Thursday wishing for the weekend.
I remember being little and Grandmother always telling me not to wish my life away when I would “wish” I was my sister’s age so I could do the cool stuff she did. With the exception of Thursdays, I tend to live by my Grandmother’s advice. It seems like my life, as it turns out goes by entirely too fast without any wishing!
Take for instance the fact that my ten year high school reunion is just over a year away! I’ve been out of college for five years already! I had my dream wedding to my prince charming almost two years ago! And I’m already three weeks into my India trip! I guess its true, time does fly when you’re having fun.
I’ll have to find some new kinds of fun come Sunday though, since my buddies will be gone. Good thing I have only watched one of the movies I brought and still have a slew of books to read. Plus, my friend Joy, that will be here till the beginning of December, has lots of fun things planned for the weekends. Too bad she’s the one that works such different hours during the week.
Ok well since technically it is already Friday, I suppose I will wrap it up and call it a night. I hope you all are doing well and know I miss you all!
With Love,
Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 48 days…
Day 75: Hump Day
Wednesday, November 18
Well its Wednesday, hump day. Nothing terribly exciting at all today. I’m sure I ate, but I’m not exactly sure what. I did have pizza for dinner, but it made my tummy upset, no fun. Wow, I’m kind of being whiny, and that is no fun to read! LOL!
On a more pleasant note, I’m over halfway finished with my Memories of a Geisha book. So good! What little bit of time that I’m not spending working or sleeping, I have my nose stuck in the book.
I have started making friends with some of the hotel staff. Everyone is so sweet and treats me like a part of the family. There is always someone willing to tell me something new about the Indian culture or a different place to go shopping. It’s not the same as having all my friends from home, but it sure is nice to have someone to talk to every now and then. With Monica and Lisa leaving this weekend, I’m glad to know I will still have other ladies to talk to. I guess that’s not really fair. There are other work folks, but they work different hours than I do so I only see them on the weekends.
Devin is working on getting his Visa so he can come to Delhi before I head to Mumbai. I look forward to him being here and being able to show him around to all the fun things I’m learning about. And feeding him Naan will be fun too! ;-)
Ok, well I think that is enough rambling for one day, until tomorrow…
Eli
Well its Wednesday, hump day. Nothing terribly exciting at all today. I’m sure I ate, but I’m not exactly sure what. I did have pizza for dinner, but it made my tummy upset, no fun. Wow, I’m kind of being whiny, and that is no fun to read! LOL!
On a more pleasant note, I’m over halfway finished with my Memories of a Geisha book. So good! What little bit of time that I’m not spending working or sleeping, I have my nose stuck in the book.
I have started making friends with some of the hotel staff. Everyone is so sweet and treats me like a part of the family. There is always someone willing to tell me something new about the Indian culture or a different place to go shopping. It’s not the same as having all my friends from home, but it sure is nice to have someone to talk to every now and then. With Monica and Lisa leaving this weekend, I’m glad to know I will still have other ladies to talk to. I guess that’s not really fair. There are other work folks, but they work different hours than I do so I only see them on the weekends.
Devin is working on getting his Visa so he can come to Delhi before I head to Mumbai. I look forward to him being here and being able to show him around to all the fun things I’m learning about. And feeding him Naan will be fun too! ;-)
Ok, well I think that is enough rambling for one day, until tomorrow…
Eli
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Day 74: My Prince Charming
Tuesday, November 17
There once was a prince named Devin who was from the Land of Corn. One day he was asked to move to a far away land. Little to Prince Devin’s knowledge, there was a fair maiden in this far away land that was in desperate need of being sweep off her feet, even though she didn’t realize this either. The Lord had a plan for Prince Devin and the fair maiden, but first, they each had to trust Him completely and follow His lead in faith.
Prince Devin suited up in shining armor and rode off to his new kingdom, Nashvilot, in the Land of Music. Once he arrived he set out to do the best job he could of running his little area of the kingdom and caring for the wee ones of the kingdom.
Now the fair maiden had lived in Nashvilot for a few years before Prince Devin came to town and she too worked with the wee ones of the kingdom. However, the fair maiden didn’t pay much attention to Prince Devin when he arrived. She had given up on finding her prince by herself and had surrendered completely to the Lord. The fair maiden was content in being a daughter of the Most High King and wasn’t dependent on a prince to make her a princess, she already was one. Don’t get me wrong, the fair maiden had kiss her share of frogs, but had learned the hard way that leaning on her Heavenly Father was far better than kissing frogs!!
One day, on the prince’s birthday, there was a party in the kingdom for all the wee ones. The fair maiden was there to help with the wee ones and for the first time the prince noticed the fair maiden and the fair maiden noticed the prince. The fair maiden prayed that the Lord would guard her heart and the prince prayed that the Lord would guide his heart and actions. This was the beginning of a beautiful courtship that lasted sometime.
After a few months of getting to know one another in the company of others from the kingdom, the prince finally asked the fair maiden to dinner. After the first dinner, he asked her to join him for dinner and such many times. The fair maiden was so excited, her prince had come!! He loved her so much and told her so often. Despite the fair maiden’s imperfections and mistakes, the prices treated like the princess she was and never failed to show his love for her.
Not long after, the prince asked for the fair maiden’s hand and promised to love her forever. She excitedly accepted for she knew that her Heavenly Father had sent this prince from the Land of Corn to Nashvilot to sweep her off her feet. Prince Devin and his fair maiden were soon married and the prince vowed to do everything he can to remind the fair maiden that she is a princess every day. Prince Devin has always kept this vow and they live happily ever after, even while the princess is now far away in the Land of Curry!
The End
Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 50 days…
PS At least my blog isn’t about what I ate today! ;-)
There once was a prince named Devin who was from the Land of Corn. One day he was asked to move to a far away land. Little to Prince Devin’s knowledge, there was a fair maiden in this far away land that was in desperate need of being sweep off her feet, even though she didn’t realize this either. The Lord had a plan for Prince Devin and the fair maiden, but first, they each had to trust Him completely and follow His lead in faith.
Prince Devin suited up in shining armor and rode off to his new kingdom, Nashvilot, in the Land of Music. Once he arrived he set out to do the best job he could of running his little area of the kingdom and caring for the wee ones of the kingdom.
Now the fair maiden had lived in Nashvilot for a few years before Prince Devin came to town and she too worked with the wee ones of the kingdom. However, the fair maiden didn’t pay much attention to Prince Devin when he arrived. She had given up on finding her prince by herself and had surrendered completely to the Lord. The fair maiden was content in being a daughter of the Most High King and wasn’t dependent on a prince to make her a princess, she already was one. Don’t get me wrong, the fair maiden had kiss her share of frogs, but had learned the hard way that leaning on her Heavenly Father was far better than kissing frogs!!
One day, on the prince’s birthday, there was a party in the kingdom for all the wee ones. The fair maiden was there to help with the wee ones and for the first time the prince noticed the fair maiden and the fair maiden noticed the prince. The fair maiden prayed that the Lord would guard her heart and the prince prayed that the Lord would guide his heart and actions. This was the beginning of a beautiful courtship that lasted sometime.
After a few months of getting to know one another in the company of others from the kingdom, the prince finally asked the fair maiden to dinner. After the first dinner, he asked her to join him for dinner and such many times. The fair maiden was so excited, her prince had come!! He loved her so much and told her so often. Despite the fair maiden’s imperfections and mistakes, the prices treated like the princess she was and never failed to show his love for her.
Not long after, the prince asked for the fair maiden’s hand and promised to love her forever. She excitedly accepted for she knew that her Heavenly Father had sent this prince from the Land of Corn to Nashvilot to sweep her off her feet. Prince Devin and his fair maiden were soon married and the prince vowed to do everything he can to remind the fair maiden that she is a princess every day. Prince Devin has always kept this vow and they live happily ever after, even while the princess is now far away in the Land of Curry!
The End
Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 50 days…
PS At least my blog isn’t about what I ate today! ;-)
Day 73: The Start of Week Three
Monday, November 16
Back to the grindstone, if you will, with another work day. I think I might have slept too much last night in an attempt to “make up” for the sleep I missed last night. Unfortunately, what they say about not being able to do this is true. I just felt groggy all day.
I did, however, manage to wake up in time for lunch at the buffet down stairs at the hotel for the first time. It was a decent selection of all kinds of international foods including Japanese, Thai, Chinese, “Western,” and of course, Indian. I had pizza, chicken curry, salad, stir fried veggies, and rice. While the access to veggies was wonderful, the true reason the others took me to the buffet was to show me the desserts! Amazing!!
It’s awesome because all the desserts are in petite form so even if you have five different ones that is only ten bites max. I had a chocolate cream puff, cheesecake, and a scoop of homemade ice cream. Have I mention how amazing the ice cream is here?? ;-) Luckily, the buffet cost about as much as we are allotted for one day, so it’s only an occasional treat, not an everyday kind of thing. Otherwise, I might have to buy a whole new wardrobe to accommodate the dessert butt I would be sure to end up with!
Work was work. We had something other than McDonald’s for dinner which was nice. And my team is getting the hang of it and doing well. I spent most of my time walking around verifying that what they were doing was correct and helping with their confidence.
Well, I suppose that about wraps up this blog. I’m about halfway finished with my book so another review will be in the works probably by next week. Hopefully you all are not too bored reading about my somewhat boring days!
Hoping for an exciting tomorrow…
Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 51 days…
Back to the grindstone, if you will, with another work day. I think I might have slept too much last night in an attempt to “make up” for the sleep I missed last night. Unfortunately, what they say about not being able to do this is true. I just felt groggy all day.
I did, however, manage to wake up in time for lunch at the buffet down stairs at the hotel for the first time. It was a decent selection of all kinds of international foods including Japanese, Thai, Chinese, “Western,” and of course, Indian. I had pizza, chicken curry, salad, stir fried veggies, and rice. While the access to veggies was wonderful, the true reason the others took me to the buffet was to show me the desserts! Amazing!!
It’s awesome because all the desserts are in petite form so even if you have five different ones that is only ten bites max. I had a chocolate cream puff, cheesecake, and a scoop of homemade ice cream. Have I mention how amazing the ice cream is here?? ;-) Luckily, the buffet cost about as much as we are allotted for one day, so it’s only an occasional treat, not an everyday kind of thing. Otherwise, I might have to buy a whole new wardrobe to accommodate the dessert butt I would be sure to end up with!
Work was work. We had something other than McDonald’s for dinner which was nice. And my team is getting the hang of it and doing well. I spent most of my time walking around verifying that what they were doing was correct and helping with their confidence.
Well, I suppose that about wraps up this blog. I’m about halfway finished with my book so another review will be in the works probably by next week. Hopefully you all are not too bored reading about my somewhat boring days!
Hoping for an exciting tomorrow…
Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 51 days…
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Day 72: The Amazing Art of Bargaining
Sunday, November 15
After a mere hour and half of sleep last night it was up for a trip to the breakfast buffet with the other ladies. Why so little sleep... for whatever reason I couldn’t get to sleep last night. After lying in bed with my eyes closed but my mind wide awake for about 45 minutes, I gave up and decided to do a little reading, thinking this would help me get to sleep. I got totally sucked into my book and accomplished the exact opposite! I ended up reading till it was late enough to call Devin after his first shift at Family Christian, his new second job to help pass the time while I’m away.
After finding out that he had a good time and saying goodnight, I turned out the lights and got comfy. Eventually, I feel asleep sometime between 6:30 and 7:00 am. But with my wakeup call coming around 9 am, I was a little on the sleepy side! But the pancakes and sunshine were well worth the lack of sleep!
After breakfast, and a little more reading, it was off to Delhi Hart, an outdoor craft fair type market. The week’s theme, “Jaut is Haute.” There were all kinds of fabrics, wraps, and other woven goods, everything from baskets to wall hanging, bags and furniture. While I didn’t purchase a thing, Monica showed me the true art of bargaining.
It was amazing! It didn’t matter how much she wanted the item in question, or how good the original price might seem, she would ask the price, say “too much” and walk away. Every, and I do me every, time the merchant would chase her down and ask her what she would pay. Here is where the art gets tricky. You have to give them a low ball price, but not so low that they think you are trying to rip them off. They counter offer and this continues until a price is agreed upon. You can get them even lower if you are buying several pieces from the same stall. Monica is quite good at this! And we were going to take a Native with us, but why when we have Monica!! ;-)
After our shopping experience it was off to TGIFriday’s for dinner. I had the same thing I would get at home, nachos, but they were completely different! Haha! They were really tasty, just tasted more curry spice then Mexican spice. Oh and of course, chicken, not beef! Honestly, I would have been happy with almost anything, as long as it’s not McDonald’s!
Now I’m trying to stay awake long enough to not totally screw up my sleep schedule which is proving much harder than preferable, but I will survive. I just got a call from Devin and it sounds like the condo is going to be rented by the end of this week. HUGE BLESSING!! Thank you for all the prayers! Ok well I think I’ll do a little TV watching and some more reading! Until tomorrow…
Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 52 days…
PS from Devin- Indeed the condo appears to finally be rented. We don't have a lease signed yet, but it should be done soon. And it's funny that I call my wife and she's soooo cheap (;-) that she won't answer, then calls me back on the same phone, just so we don't have to pay for it!
After a mere hour and half of sleep last night it was up for a trip to the breakfast buffet with the other ladies. Why so little sleep... for whatever reason I couldn’t get to sleep last night. After lying in bed with my eyes closed but my mind wide awake for about 45 minutes, I gave up and decided to do a little reading, thinking this would help me get to sleep. I got totally sucked into my book and accomplished the exact opposite! I ended up reading till it was late enough to call Devin after his first shift at Family Christian, his new second job to help pass the time while I’m away.
After finding out that he had a good time and saying goodnight, I turned out the lights and got comfy. Eventually, I feel asleep sometime between 6:30 and 7:00 am. But with my wakeup call coming around 9 am, I was a little on the sleepy side! But the pancakes and sunshine were well worth the lack of sleep!
After breakfast, and a little more reading, it was off to Delhi Hart, an outdoor craft fair type market. The week’s theme, “Jaut is Haute.” There were all kinds of fabrics, wraps, and other woven goods, everything from baskets to wall hanging, bags and furniture. While I didn’t purchase a thing, Monica showed me the true art of bargaining.
It was amazing! It didn’t matter how much she wanted the item in question, or how good the original price might seem, she would ask the price, say “too much” and walk away. Every, and I do me every, time the merchant would chase her down and ask her what she would pay. Here is where the art gets tricky. You have to give them a low ball price, but not so low that they think you are trying to rip them off. They counter offer and this continues until a price is agreed upon. You can get them even lower if you are buying several pieces from the same stall. Monica is quite good at this! And we were going to take a Native with us, but why when we have Monica!! ;-)
After our shopping experience it was off to TGIFriday’s for dinner. I had the same thing I would get at home, nachos, but they were completely different! Haha! They were really tasty, just tasted more curry spice then Mexican spice. Oh and of course, chicken, not beef! Honestly, I would have been happy with almost anything, as long as it’s not McDonald’s!
Now I’m trying to stay awake long enough to not totally screw up my sleep schedule which is proving much harder than preferable, but I will survive. I just got a call from Devin and it sounds like the condo is going to be rented by the end of this week. HUGE BLESSING!! Thank you for all the prayers! Ok well I think I’ll do a little TV watching and some more reading! Until tomorrow…
Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 52 days…
PS from Devin- Indeed the condo appears to finally be rented. We don't have a lease signed yet, but it should be done soon. And it's funny that I call my wife and she's soooo cheap (;-) that she won't answer, then calls me back on the same phone, just so we don't have to pay for it!
Day 71: Happily Ever After
Saturday, November 14
Yet another wonderful Saturday of rest and relaxation! I slept in until 4 in the afternoon, had pancakes and coffee delivered to my door, and watched my new favorite show, American’s Favorite Dog. Kind of funny that I’ve never heard of this show in the States, but somehow I find it in India! Oh well…
I meet up with the other ladies to go to the mall for a little shopping, window only for me, but it was still fun to get out of the hotel for a bit. Plus, there was a Bali-wood star leaving the hotel when we were heading out. I saw the back of the Indian version of Brad Pitt! I know, you wish you were me! ;-)
After the mall adventure, we went to dinner at the hotel main restaurant. I have a rosemary chicken dish and baked potato. I was very tasty and the closest thing to home cooking I’ve had in weeks. I would do almost anything for some meatloaf and green beans, but that’s another story.
Now I’m back in my princess lair watching Enchanted. It makes me miss Devin so much. I know this sounds a little silly, but he really is my prince charming and knight in shining armor! I love the way he makes me feel like a princess everyday and safe every night! I am one lucky lady to get my happily ever after, I just look forward getting back to the States and back to living it every day! ;-)
Well tomorrow we are going to do some sightseeing and to Delhi Heart for some more shopping and India experience! Until then…
Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 53 days…
Yet another wonderful Saturday of rest and relaxation! I slept in until 4 in the afternoon, had pancakes and coffee delivered to my door, and watched my new favorite show, American’s Favorite Dog. Kind of funny that I’ve never heard of this show in the States, but somehow I find it in India! Oh well…
I meet up with the other ladies to go to the mall for a little shopping, window only for me, but it was still fun to get out of the hotel for a bit. Plus, there was a Bali-wood star leaving the hotel when we were heading out. I saw the back of the Indian version of Brad Pitt! I know, you wish you were me! ;-)
After the mall adventure, we went to dinner at the hotel main restaurant. I have a rosemary chicken dish and baked potato. I was very tasty and the closest thing to home cooking I’ve had in weeks. I would do almost anything for some meatloaf and green beans, but that’s another story.
Now I’m back in my princess lair watching Enchanted. It makes me miss Devin so much. I know this sounds a little silly, but he really is my prince charming and knight in shining armor! I love the way he makes me feel like a princess everyday and safe every night! I am one lucky lady to get my happily ever after, I just look forward getting back to the States and back to living it every day! ;-)
Well tomorrow we are going to do some sightseeing and to Delhi Heart for some more shopping and India experience! Until then…
Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 53 days…
Day 70: Friday Take Two
Friday, November 13
I apologize for yet another boring blog. India is such an adventure on the weekends; however, my weekdays are filled with sleeping and working. I can’t believe how much sleep I get over here. It’s kind of nice, but I miss seeing the sunshine! Oh wait, there is so much smog that even in the middle of the day, there isn’t so much sunshine to be seen! LOL! Oh well…
I am having fun at work though. I really enjoy the working with people and sharing knowledge. I am learning so much everyday and working with amazing folks both from home and here in India. I even got a nickname, “Seb Gaal.” It means “Apple Cheeks” because my round little face always has rosy cheeks! Haha! I think it’s kind of cute! Maybe it will stick even when I get home...
The downside, I’m absolutely sick of McDonald’s. We had it all but one night this week! YUCK!! I’m beginning to think it might be worth taking my chances with the Indian food in the lunch room, even if it would never get more than a 50 if I were to inspect it.
Well that is my terribly “exciting” day in a nutshell. Hope life back home is at least this exciting! ;-)
Missing everyone…
Eli
I apologize for yet another boring blog. India is such an adventure on the weekends; however, my weekdays are filled with sleeping and working. I can’t believe how much sleep I get over here. It’s kind of nice, but I miss seeing the sunshine! Oh wait, there is so much smog that even in the middle of the day, there isn’t so much sunshine to be seen! LOL! Oh well…
I am having fun at work though. I really enjoy the working with people and sharing knowledge. I am learning so much everyday and working with amazing folks both from home and here in India. I even got a nickname, “Seb Gaal.” It means “Apple Cheeks” because my round little face always has rosy cheeks! Haha! I think it’s kind of cute! Maybe it will stick even when I get home...
The downside, I’m absolutely sick of McDonald’s. We had it all but one night this week! YUCK!! I’m beginning to think it might be worth taking my chances with the Indian food in the lunch room, even if it would never get more than a 50 if I were to inspect it.
Well that is my terribly “exciting” day in a nutshell. Hope life back home is at least this exciting! ;-)
Missing everyone…
Eli
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Day 69: Interesting Emails
Thursday, November 12
Day 69: Interesting Emails
Today started as any normal day, but this story really begins a couple days ago when I received an email asking if I might be willing to extend my stay in India through January. I said I would think about it and get back to them. I thought at least I could see what Devin thought and go from there. At one point in time, I had agreed to stay for 10 weeks and Devin and I had talked about him coming over for a week or so around New Year’s, but then my return date ended up being December 27, so there wasn’t time.
I talked to Devin about it and we started weighing pros and cons. Pros, Devin would have the time to work out a trip to come see me, we could use the extra money, it is GREAT experience for me, and I am already missing Thanksgiving and Christmas at home, what’s another month. Cons, we miss each other an awful lot! After thorough discussion, we decided that a few more weeks won’t kill us and that the opportunities far outweigh the con, especially if Devin is able to come for a week.
After a quick email back that I would be willing to stay, the response was that I will be moving to Mumbai for the last 30 days of my now extended trip and my return to the States day is February 8, 2010. I’ll get to see the Indian Ocean and the fifth largest city in the world, thanks Wikipedia for that statistic. And most excitedly, my amazing and wonderful husband is working on a trip to come see me and this interesting county!
While I would be lying if I said I was thrilled to be away from home this long, I am very excited and thankful for this opportunity. I know that this isn’t going to be easy, but I know I have an amazing support team back home that loves me and is praying for me all along the way! I’m already counting down the days till I can see each of you and tell you all my fun stories!
Ok well I need to get some sleep! Until tomorrow…
Eli
Countdown to home: 87 days… Wow, maybe I should quit counting for a bit, 87 days sounds really long!
Day 69: Interesting Emails
Today started as any normal day, but this story really begins a couple days ago when I received an email asking if I might be willing to extend my stay in India through January. I said I would think about it and get back to them. I thought at least I could see what Devin thought and go from there. At one point in time, I had agreed to stay for 10 weeks and Devin and I had talked about him coming over for a week or so around New Year’s, but then my return date ended up being December 27, so there wasn’t time.
I talked to Devin about it and we started weighing pros and cons. Pros, Devin would have the time to work out a trip to come see me, we could use the extra money, it is GREAT experience for me, and I am already missing Thanksgiving and Christmas at home, what’s another month. Cons, we miss each other an awful lot! After thorough discussion, we decided that a few more weeks won’t kill us and that the opportunities far outweigh the con, especially if Devin is able to come for a week.
After a quick email back that I would be willing to stay, the response was that I will be moving to Mumbai for the last 30 days of my now extended trip and my return to the States day is February 8, 2010. I’ll get to see the Indian Ocean and the fifth largest city in the world, thanks Wikipedia for that statistic. And most excitedly, my amazing and wonderful husband is working on a trip to come see me and this interesting county!
While I would be lying if I said I was thrilled to be away from home this long, I am very excited and thankful for this opportunity. I know that this isn’t going to be easy, but I know I have an amazing support team back home that loves me and is praying for me all along the way! I’m already counting down the days till I can see each of you and tell you all my fun stories!
Ok well I need to get some sleep! Until tomorrow…
Eli
Countdown to home: 87 days… Wow, maybe I should quit counting for a bit, 87 days sounds really long!
Day 68: Tribute…
Wednesday, November 11
I have celebrated 26 Veteran’s Days in my life, but I think this one is the most special of all. Don’t get me wrong, all the parades and festivities that Col. Beck had us participating in all through high school were fun. And I have always been patriotic and thankful for those that have served. But I am starting to understand exactly what it means to be a native to “The Land of the Free, and the Home of the Brave.”
As I sit safely in my lush hotel room, outside the hotel gate there is poverty and crime. There are security guards at every public entrance and mayhem on the streets. While the people here are by no means in the same shape as some of the Communist countries, they don’t seem to have the same freedoms and rights that I have in America. As I’ve said in previous blogs, you really don’t know what you have until it’s on the other side of the world!
I’m not naïve enough to think that the freedoms I have at home are there because of chance or happenstance. It’s because for over 200 years, men and women in the Armed Forces have made the sacrifices necessary to ensure our continued safety and freedom. For that, I dedicate tonight’s blog to each of you. Thank you for serving, thank you for protecting, thank you for your sacrifice!
Eli
I have celebrated 26 Veteran’s Days in my life, but I think this one is the most special of all. Don’t get me wrong, all the parades and festivities that Col. Beck had us participating in all through high school were fun. And I have always been patriotic and thankful for those that have served. But I am starting to understand exactly what it means to be a native to “The Land of the Free, and the Home of the Brave.”
As I sit safely in my lush hotel room, outside the hotel gate there is poverty and crime. There are security guards at every public entrance and mayhem on the streets. While the people here are by no means in the same shape as some of the Communist countries, they don’t seem to have the same freedoms and rights that I have in America. As I’ve said in previous blogs, you really don’t know what you have until it’s on the other side of the world!
I’m not naïve enough to think that the freedoms I have at home are there because of chance or happenstance. It’s because for over 200 years, men and women in the Armed Forces have made the sacrifices necessary to ensure our continued safety and freedom. For that, I dedicate tonight’s blog to each of you. Thank you for serving, thank you for protecting, thank you for your sacrifice!
Eli
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Day 67: Back to Food…
Tuesday, Nov. 10th
Unfortunately today was one of those days like I talked about yesterday where all I seem to have to share is about what I had to eat today! Hang on, the door bell just rang, room service is here ;-)
Ok I’m back! Tonight’s meal, I decided to try the Thai vegetable spring rolls. What can I say; I’m getting a little desperate for some veggies. Not sure if they are any good yet, they are way too hot to try and eat at the moment, so back to the other meals of the day….
Meal one, KFC for the same thing I get each time, well almost same thing. They were out of my cheese crunch with is my usually pick over fries, but I had my “twister” otherwise known as a wrap. I also tried a drink they have here called a virgin sparking Mojito. Basically it is 7-up with lemon wedges and crushed mint leaves. It was really good and quite refreshing!
Meal two, McDonalds, again… I don’t like McDonalds that much in the States, when you get rid of the burger part and don’t even have grilled chicken as an option; it decreases in value even more. But I really shouldn’t complain, for every bite of my Mexican Chicken Wrap that I had, there are at least three beggars down the street that would happily eat that wrap. India really does have a way of bring out ones selfishness and ingratitude.
Meal three, eating those veggie rolls as I type, yummy! They have quite the kick, which I like. They aren’t grease, another plus. And they don’t contain any more chicken!! LOL! I think we might have a room service winner!
Hopefully tomorrow will provide a little more excitement! Until then…
Eli
Countdown to home: 48 days…
Unfortunately today was one of those days like I talked about yesterday where all I seem to have to share is about what I had to eat today! Hang on, the door bell just rang, room service is here ;-)
Ok I’m back! Tonight’s meal, I decided to try the Thai vegetable spring rolls. What can I say; I’m getting a little desperate for some veggies. Not sure if they are any good yet, they are way too hot to try and eat at the moment, so back to the other meals of the day….
Meal one, KFC for the same thing I get each time, well almost same thing. They were out of my cheese crunch with is my usually pick over fries, but I had my “twister” otherwise known as a wrap. I also tried a drink they have here called a virgin sparking Mojito. Basically it is 7-up with lemon wedges and crushed mint leaves. It was really good and quite refreshing!
Meal two, McDonalds, again… I don’t like McDonalds that much in the States, when you get rid of the burger part and don’t even have grilled chicken as an option; it decreases in value even more. But I really shouldn’t complain, for every bite of my Mexican Chicken Wrap that I had, there are at least three beggars down the street that would happily eat that wrap. India really does have a way of bring out ones selfishness and ingratitude.
Meal three, eating those veggie rolls as I type, yummy! They have quite the kick, which I like. They aren’t grease, another plus. And they don’t contain any more chicken!! LOL! I think we might have a room service winner!
Hopefully tomorrow will provide a little more excitement! Until then…
Eli
Countdown to home: 48 days…
Day 66: The Shack
Monday, Nov. 9th
PREFACE: Due to my simple routine Monday – Friday and my incredible amounts of free time to read, I have decided to give book reviews for each of the books I read on this journey. I can’t promise I will get through each of the books in the small library I brought, or that all of them will be worth writing a review. However, if nothing else, this will help my writing skills for the GRE and give me something to write about other that what I had to eat today! ;-)
The first book I have finished since arriving is The Shack by WM. Paul Young. If you are planning on reading it, GO READ IT!! NOW!! If you are not currently planning on reading it, I hope you will change your mind by the time you are finished with this blog! It is a great book!! If you are someone who hates to know anything about a book before you read it, stop here. While I will not be giving the ending away, I don’t want to ruin any surprises. And I’m one of those people so I understand! On to the review…
The story actually beings with the forward, where we meet Mackenize Allen Phillips, Mack for short, the main character, through the eyes of his friend Willie, the writer of Mack’s story. Right away you are drawn to know more and try and figure out what exactly happened to Mack and where exactly his story leads.
Soon enough you find out that Mack’s youngest daughter has been kidnapped and murdered by a serial killer. Her little body is never found and the only clue is her blood stained, tattered dress found on the floor of an old abandon shack. As any father would be, Mack is devastated and destroyed by his lose. As a man who has been through seminary and attends church regularly, he knows the Bible and in general who God is, but by his own admission, he feels himself separating from God after the tragedy. During “The Great Sadness,” he doesn’t think God could truly love him and especially not his beloved daughter to let something like this happen.
Sometime after the loss of his baby, Mack receives a note in his mailbox. The note is in a simple envelope with no return address or mailing address for that matter and simple invites him to come back to the shack and spend a weekend. The note is signed “Papa,” Mack’s wife’s favorite name for God.
Out of sheer curiosity, Mack makes the trip to the shack where his worst nightmare had taken place only months ago. What follows is an amazing illustration of God’s love and desire to have a relationship with each of us. As the Trinity is put into tangible forms and every preconceived notion of God’s physical appearance is thrown to the wind, Mack finds himself face to face with the God of the universe! As Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work in Mack’s live he learns the true meaning of love, relationship, truth, and final forgiveness. As you witness Mack’s journey through each of these, one can’t help but ponder each for yourself.
This book is a beautiful reminder that more than anything God’s love for each of us is awesome, more awesome than the human mind can comprehend. God’s forgiveness is all inclusive and without bounds. And most importantly, God desires an actual relationship with each of us, not just our words or Sunday mornings.
I high recommend this book to anyone or any age. I will not promise an easy read or a light-n-fluffy feel good book either. Nor do I promise this to be devotion or anything beyond a story. But I do promise a book that challenges you too think outside the box and search your heart for what you truly believe.
Overall rating: Five out of Five Stars
Next book: Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
Eli
Countdown to home: 49 days…
PREFACE: Due to my simple routine Monday – Friday and my incredible amounts of free time to read, I have decided to give book reviews for each of the books I read on this journey. I can’t promise I will get through each of the books in the small library I brought, or that all of them will be worth writing a review. However, if nothing else, this will help my writing skills for the GRE and give me something to write about other that what I had to eat today! ;-)
The first book I have finished since arriving is The Shack by WM. Paul Young. If you are planning on reading it, GO READ IT!! NOW!! If you are not currently planning on reading it, I hope you will change your mind by the time you are finished with this blog! It is a great book!! If you are someone who hates to know anything about a book before you read it, stop here. While I will not be giving the ending away, I don’t want to ruin any surprises. And I’m one of those people so I understand! On to the review…
The story actually beings with the forward, where we meet Mackenize Allen Phillips, Mack for short, the main character, through the eyes of his friend Willie, the writer of Mack’s story. Right away you are drawn to know more and try and figure out what exactly happened to Mack and where exactly his story leads.
Soon enough you find out that Mack’s youngest daughter has been kidnapped and murdered by a serial killer. Her little body is never found and the only clue is her blood stained, tattered dress found on the floor of an old abandon shack. As any father would be, Mack is devastated and destroyed by his lose. As a man who has been through seminary and attends church regularly, he knows the Bible and in general who God is, but by his own admission, he feels himself separating from God after the tragedy. During “The Great Sadness,” he doesn’t think God could truly love him and especially not his beloved daughter to let something like this happen.
Sometime after the loss of his baby, Mack receives a note in his mailbox. The note is in a simple envelope with no return address or mailing address for that matter and simple invites him to come back to the shack and spend a weekend. The note is signed “Papa,” Mack’s wife’s favorite name for God.
Out of sheer curiosity, Mack makes the trip to the shack where his worst nightmare had taken place only months ago. What follows is an amazing illustration of God’s love and desire to have a relationship with each of us. As the Trinity is put into tangible forms and every preconceived notion of God’s physical appearance is thrown to the wind, Mack finds himself face to face with the God of the universe! As Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work in Mack’s live he learns the true meaning of love, relationship, truth, and final forgiveness. As you witness Mack’s journey through each of these, one can’t help but ponder each for yourself.
This book is a beautiful reminder that more than anything God’s love for each of us is awesome, more awesome than the human mind can comprehend. God’s forgiveness is all inclusive and without bounds. And most importantly, God desires an actual relationship with each of us, not just our words or Sunday mornings.
I high recommend this book to anyone or any age. I will not promise an easy read or a light-n-fluffy feel good book either. Nor do I promise this to be devotion or anything beyond a story. But I do promise a book that challenges you too think outside the box and search your heart for what you truly believe.
Overall rating: Five out of Five Stars
Next book: Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
Eli
Countdown to home: 49 days…
Monday, November 9, 2009
Day 65: The Life of a Princess
Sunday, November 8
What a day of relaxation and pampering! My day started when I woke without an alarm. After a quick brush of the teeth and throwing on some cloths, I ran upstairs for a quick bite. It pays to befriend the hotel staff. Even though there were only minutes left and they were already cleaning up, my new friend Anikta made sure I had some fresh fruit and hot pancakes and coffee of course!
After breakfast, I came back to my room to be a big ole bum. I took a shower and lay around with a wet head in a plush, fuzzy, white bathrobe for hours. It was lovely! I watched High School Musical 3, a slew of Friends reruns, and part of a Hannah Montana episode. What can I say; TV in English while in India is not in wide variety.
I was finally dragged from my princess lair by my co-workers to head to the market. We were headed to the grocery store, but go side tracked by a mall. After walking around the mall, we realized that it wasn’t worth the trip, but at least it we got some exercise. We went to Spencer’s, which is the local grocery store. I bought some more sprite, a coke, and some snack stuff. I’m quickly realizing how much I need the occasional snack since I typically only have one, maybe two, meals a day. Good thing I brought health snacks with me!
Back at the hotel, it was upstairs to the Italian place. I had fish, asparagus, and risotto. It was tasty! And I was so glad for veggies!! That is one of the many things I’m starting to really miss about home. That and Devin and Church and some many other things….
Now I’m back in the princess liar with my comfy clothes, snuggled in my plush bed watching Father of the Bride! I have to try really hard to stay awake for another three hours so maybe I should be watching Sound of Music instead! ;-)
I suppose I will wrap up this for now and get back to my movie!
Eli
Count Down to Home: 50 days…
What a day of relaxation and pampering! My day started when I woke without an alarm. After a quick brush of the teeth and throwing on some cloths, I ran upstairs for a quick bite. It pays to befriend the hotel staff. Even though there were only minutes left and they were already cleaning up, my new friend Anikta made sure I had some fresh fruit and hot pancakes and coffee of course!
After breakfast, I came back to my room to be a big ole bum. I took a shower and lay around with a wet head in a plush, fuzzy, white bathrobe for hours. It was lovely! I watched High School Musical 3, a slew of Friends reruns, and part of a Hannah Montana episode. What can I say; TV in English while in India is not in wide variety.
I was finally dragged from my princess lair by my co-workers to head to the market. We were headed to the grocery store, but go side tracked by a mall. After walking around the mall, we realized that it wasn’t worth the trip, but at least it we got some exercise. We went to Spencer’s, which is the local grocery store. I bought some more sprite, a coke, and some snack stuff. I’m quickly realizing how much I need the occasional snack since I typically only have one, maybe two, meals a day. Good thing I brought health snacks with me!
Back at the hotel, it was upstairs to the Italian place. I had fish, asparagus, and risotto. It was tasty! And I was so glad for veggies!! That is one of the many things I’m starting to really miss about home. That and Devin and Church and some many other things….
Now I’m back in the princess liar with my comfy clothes, snuggled in my plush bed watching Father of the Bride! I have to try really hard to stay awake for another three hours so maybe I should be watching Sound of Music instead! ;-)
I suppose I will wrap up this for now and get back to my movie!
Eli
Count Down to Home: 50 days…
Day 64: Market Shopping! ‘Nough Said…
Saturday, November 7
I love Saturdays! There is something rather nice about sleeping till you wake up and enjoying a restful day. After staying up way too late last night, or rather this morning, I slept till about 3:30 this afternoon. After grab a granola bar and some cheez-its, I know the breakfast of champions, it was over to the adjacent mall at the atm. The mall on Saturday is worse that Macy’s the day after Thanksgiving. I had to throw some ‘bows just to get to the atm.
After getting my Rs. 2000 (about $50) it was off to meet the others for an evening of market shopping. Talk about crazy fun!! We met up with several of our new local friends to help us with bargaining to help us avoid as much of the “white man tax” as possible. Without them, we would have had a hard time getting the amazing deals that we got! While I wanted one of everything, I was trying to be good! I did get a pair of sunglasses for Rs. 200 (about $4) but I can honestly say I needed them! I have been without sunglasses since I left Kansas and if you know me at all you know that I ALWAYS have my sunglasses!
The others got shoes for Rs. 175, kids drums for Rs. 100, purses for Rs. 100, and a wooden flute for Rs. 10. I can’t wait to go back when I have a little extra money! There are such great deals! And while not everything is quality, most of it seems rather nice! It was a lot of fun to watch Sumjat banter with the salesman for my glasses!! ;-)
After the open market, it was off to the New Delhi Hard Rock Café! It’s been a long time since I’ve been to a night club, but that it totally what this was like. It wasn’t like the Hard Rock Nashville or Atlanta that I have been to before, but I can’t complain! I miss Mexican food so much and I was able to get chicken fajitas’ that were amazing! As much as I like Indian food, it’s always nice to have a taste of home!
Ok well tomorrow is going to be a day full of sightseeing and since I’m supposed to be up by 9 am and it’s currently almost 2 am, I probably should head to bed! Until tomorrow…
Eli
Count Down to Home: 51 days…
I love Saturdays! There is something rather nice about sleeping till you wake up and enjoying a restful day. After staying up way too late last night, or rather this morning, I slept till about 3:30 this afternoon. After grab a granola bar and some cheez-its, I know the breakfast of champions, it was over to the adjacent mall at the atm. The mall on Saturday is worse that Macy’s the day after Thanksgiving. I had to throw some ‘bows just to get to the atm.
After getting my Rs. 2000 (about $50) it was off to meet the others for an evening of market shopping. Talk about crazy fun!! We met up with several of our new local friends to help us with bargaining to help us avoid as much of the “white man tax” as possible. Without them, we would have had a hard time getting the amazing deals that we got! While I wanted one of everything, I was trying to be good! I did get a pair of sunglasses for Rs. 200 (about $4) but I can honestly say I needed them! I have been without sunglasses since I left Kansas and if you know me at all you know that I ALWAYS have my sunglasses!
The others got shoes for Rs. 175, kids drums for Rs. 100, purses for Rs. 100, and a wooden flute for Rs. 10. I can’t wait to go back when I have a little extra money! There are such great deals! And while not everything is quality, most of it seems rather nice! It was a lot of fun to watch Sumjat banter with the salesman for my glasses!! ;-)
After the open market, it was off to the New Delhi Hard Rock Café! It’s been a long time since I’ve been to a night club, but that it totally what this was like. It wasn’t like the Hard Rock Nashville or Atlanta that I have been to before, but I can’t complain! I miss Mexican food so much and I was able to get chicken fajitas’ that were amazing! As much as I like Indian food, it’s always nice to have a taste of home!
Ok well tomorrow is going to be a day full of sightseeing and since I’m supposed to be up by 9 am and it’s currently almost 2 am, I probably should head to bed! Until tomorrow…
Eli
Count Down to Home: 51 days…
Day 63: Everybody Knows Your Name…
Friday, November 6
I made it through week one!! Only seven more to go before I’m headed home. I’m having a great time, but I really miss the hubster and the babies! Not to mention being able to just pick up the phone and call whenever I’m missing a loved one.
My hotel is doing a fantastic job of making me feel as at home as possible. I’ve had a rose left in my room, treats for Halloween, and a dessert when I got home from work tonight! Add to that that walking down the hall sounds that the latest version of “Old to Me” with the chorus of “Hello, Ms. Kroner,” “Good Evening Ms. Kroner,” and “How are you Ms. Kroner.”
Work is similar; just change the Ms. Kroner to Elizabeth. And at work, the hellos and good evenings are quickly replaced with, “Elizabeth, small query,” and “Elizabeth, quick, real quick, query.” It’s so cute! I love it!
There is a downside to such familiarity. Everyone seems to know my name, but there are so many that I don’t know yet. I’m trying to learn names of both the folks at the office and the staff at the hotel, but it’s so difficult. I hate asking their names again and again, but they are so different from the names I’ve grown up around so I have trouble pronouncing them correctly. But at least I’m trying! That has to count for something!
Ok well I’m off to bed!
Eli
Count Down to Home: 52 days…
I made it through week one!! Only seven more to go before I’m headed home. I’m having a great time, but I really miss the hubster and the babies! Not to mention being able to just pick up the phone and call whenever I’m missing a loved one.
My hotel is doing a fantastic job of making me feel as at home as possible. I’ve had a rose left in my room, treats for Halloween, and a dessert when I got home from work tonight! Add to that that walking down the hall sounds that the latest version of “Old to Me” with the chorus of “Hello, Ms. Kroner,” “Good Evening Ms. Kroner,” and “How are you Ms. Kroner.”
Work is similar; just change the Ms. Kroner to Elizabeth. And at work, the hellos and good evenings are quickly replaced with, “Elizabeth, small query,” and “Elizabeth, quick, real quick, query.” It’s so cute! I love it!
There is a downside to such familiarity. Everyone seems to know my name, but there are so many that I don’t know yet. I’m trying to learn names of both the folks at the office and the staff at the hotel, but it’s so difficult. I hate asking their names again and again, but they are so different from the names I’ve grown up around so I have trouble pronouncing them correctly. But at least I’m trying! That has to count for something!
Ok well I’m off to bed!
Eli
Count Down to Home: 52 days…
Day 62: Pizza! Pizza!
Thursday, November 5
Today was another routine kind of day. My “morning” was spent ordering room service for lunch and hanging out at my little coffee joint upstairs until it was time for work. I ordered the chicken Caesar salad. It was quite tasty and they put the dressing on the side so it was totally drenched like is sometimes the case for with a Caesar salad. I was so thankful for some veggies that I could have eaten it without any dressing!
After a truly relaxing afternoon, it was off to work. It was so funny, I wore a jacket and put my hair up since I had been too busy relaxing to actually wash and fix it, and I had so many people tell me how much they loved my “up-do” and how pretty I looked. It was interesting seeing as I had literally thrown myself together. Maybe I should have a lazy day a little more often! I felt like a superstar! ;-)
Work itself was rather uneventful, following the same routine that the first three did. The only exception, after last night’s dinner we were determined to order in time. We thought we would give pizza a chance. We got it ordered in time and man was it delicious! Ok, so no, it was not Aunt Jane’s homemade, but it tasted of home and warm familiarity! It really is true that sometimes we need to have things taken away to know what we are really missing!! ;-) Who knew that would apply to pizza! Hahaha!
Overall, today was quite the relaxing day! While I know this isn’t the most exciting blog to be read, hopefully it has shown you that I am ok and doing well. I looking forward to coming home, but I’m enjoying myself and having the experience of a life time!
Have a great night!!
Eli
Count Down to Home: 53 days…
Today was another routine kind of day. My “morning” was spent ordering room service for lunch and hanging out at my little coffee joint upstairs until it was time for work. I ordered the chicken Caesar salad. It was quite tasty and they put the dressing on the side so it was totally drenched like is sometimes the case for with a Caesar salad. I was so thankful for some veggies that I could have eaten it without any dressing!
After a truly relaxing afternoon, it was off to work. It was so funny, I wore a jacket and put my hair up since I had been too busy relaxing to actually wash and fix it, and I had so many people tell me how much they loved my “up-do” and how pretty I looked. It was interesting seeing as I had literally thrown myself together. Maybe I should have a lazy day a little more often! I felt like a superstar! ;-)
Work itself was rather uneventful, following the same routine that the first three did. The only exception, after last night’s dinner we were determined to order in time. We thought we would give pizza a chance. We got it ordered in time and man was it delicious! Ok, so no, it was not Aunt Jane’s homemade, but it tasted of home and warm familiarity! It really is true that sometimes we need to have things taken away to know what we are really missing!! ;-) Who knew that would apply to pizza! Hahaha!
Overall, today was quite the relaxing day! While I know this isn’t the most exciting blog to be read, hopefully it has shown you that I am ok and doing well. I looking forward to coming home, but I’m enjoying myself and having the experience of a life time!
Have a great night!!
Eli
Count Down to Home: 53 days…
Friday, November 6, 2009
Day 61: The Routine
Some how I have managed to get into a routine after being here for less than a week. This is a good thing, even though it sounds a little boring, at least I am sleeping when I’m suppose to be sleeping and eating at somewhat normal times. Please note that “supposed” and “normal” are quite relative terms. I eat “breakfast” at about 3:30 or 4 in the afternoon, lunch around 10-Midnight, and dinner, if I have it at all, when I get home from work around 4 am. But when you are working 6:30 pm – 3:30 am and sleeping from 5:30 am to sometime in the early afternoon, its all about right. Like I said, normal is relative for me these days.
Work has also fallen into a nice routine. It starts with a short, yet exciting, drive to the office. Standing around telling everyone hello and shaking hands with everyone as they come into work. I like this Indian tradition! Its very nice way to be greeted. However, I don’t think this would work back home, we would spend too much time chatting and not just a quick shake! ;-)
After all the greeting, they go to the desk and get ready to get started. This might take them a little bit, but it gives us floor support the chance to check our email and send any communication needed back to the home office, and prepare anything else needed for the day. Around 7:30 or so, the questions start and it can be rather non-stop. But it works, it makes time fly and before you know it one of us realizes that if we don’t hurry up and order dinner we will be eating Indian food and starts throwing around a list for all us American’s to write down our order. Our choices, McDonald’s, Subway, or supposedly Domino’s although we have tried to order this twice with no luck!
Tonight we waited to late and all three were closed so it was Indian for dinner. Two of us like it, but the other three it makes them sick, so I felt kind of bad. They ordered us butter chicken, which was good but not quite as good as the kind I had the other day after the Taj, Creamy Chicken, and Naan of course. They serve Naan with everything! I love it!! And the creamy chicken was also really good! I ended up eating such a big, and late, lunch that I wasn’t even hungry when I got home, so I’m skipping dinner. And all you thought I never missed a meal! Hehehe!
The rest of the night at work is spent in a meeting with folks back home and continuing to answer lots and lots of questions. Then its time to crawl back into our van for the much less exciting ride back to the hotel.
And that is my typical day! I just thought I would share to give you some idea of what its like over here!
With Love,
Eli
Count Down to Home: 54 days…
Work has also fallen into a nice routine. It starts with a short, yet exciting, drive to the office. Standing around telling everyone hello and shaking hands with everyone as they come into work. I like this Indian tradition! Its very nice way to be greeted. However, I don’t think this would work back home, we would spend too much time chatting and not just a quick shake! ;-)
After all the greeting, they go to the desk and get ready to get started. This might take them a little bit, but it gives us floor support the chance to check our email and send any communication needed back to the home office, and prepare anything else needed for the day. Around 7:30 or so, the questions start and it can be rather non-stop. But it works, it makes time fly and before you know it one of us realizes that if we don’t hurry up and order dinner we will be eating Indian food and starts throwing around a list for all us American’s to write down our order. Our choices, McDonald’s, Subway, or supposedly Domino’s although we have tried to order this twice with no luck!
Tonight we waited to late and all three were closed so it was Indian for dinner. Two of us like it, but the other three it makes them sick, so I felt kind of bad. They ordered us butter chicken, which was good but not quite as good as the kind I had the other day after the Taj, Creamy Chicken, and Naan of course. They serve Naan with everything! I love it!! And the creamy chicken was also really good! I ended up eating such a big, and late, lunch that I wasn’t even hungry when I got home, so I’m skipping dinner. And all you thought I never missed a meal! Hehehe!
The rest of the night at work is spent in a meeting with folks back home and continuing to answer lots and lots of questions. Then its time to crawl back into our van for the much less exciting ride back to the hotel.
And that is my typical day! I just thought I would share to give you some idea of what its like over here!
With Love,
Eli
Count Down to Home: 54 days…
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Day 60: What a Two Months!!
Let’s just take a moment and recap the past two months….
Moved from Tennessee to Kansas. Started blogging. Started attending/working with a new church. Transferred jobs. Counted down for India. Moved buildings at said job. Worked new payors at said job. Made new friends at church. Made new friends at job. Counted down for India. Participated in a scavenger hunt. Attended a coffee night. Started helping Devin in kid’s church. Got lots of shots. Counted down for India. Did lots of packing. Attended several meetings. Shopped till I dropped. Left for India. Saw the Taj Ma Hall. Started yet another job function. Learned to sleep in the day time. Today!
Ok so that was defiantly a moment! But my point is this, these have been a very exciting two months and I have enjoyed my blog time and sharing all the excitement of my life with all of you! I can’t believe it’s only been two months though, it feels like more, but in a good way. Kansas is really feeling like home and I miss it. Not in the miserable way, just in the way one misses home after being gone for awhile, or as in my case, knows they will be gone for awhile.
As for my India adventure, today was a pretty “normal” kind of day. Back to the mall for another trip to KFC for lunch and then off to work. Because my team is doing so well, I didn’t have nearly as many questions today. I guess this is a good thing, but between that and not getting a good night’s sleep last night, it’s been a rough night. McDonald’s for dinner, I miss broccoli, and a meeting were the highlights, but again, I’m so proud of my team and how well they are doing!
Off to sleep, I’m determined to get on a schedule!!
With Love,
Eli
Count Down to Home: 55 days…
Moved from Tennessee to Kansas. Started blogging. Started attending/working with a new church. Transferred jobs. Counted down for India. Moved buildings at said job. Worked new payors at said job. Made new friends at church. Made new friends at job. Counted down for India. Participated in a scavenger hunt. Attended a coffee night. Started helping Devin in kid’s church. Got lots of shots. Counted down for India. Did lots of packing. Attended several meetings. Shopped till I dropped. Left for India. Saw the Taj Ma Hall. Started yet another job function. Learned to sleep in the day time. Today!
Ok so that was defiantly a moment! But my point is this, these have been a very exciting two months and I have enjoyed my blog time and sharing all the excitement of my life with all of you! I can’t believe it’s only been two months though, it feels like more, but in a good way. Kansas is really feeling like home and I miss it. Not in the miserable way, just in the way one misses home after being gone for awhile, or as in my case, knows they will be gone for awhile.
As for my India adventure, today was a pretty “normal” kind of day. Back to the mall for another trip to KFC for lunch and then off to work. Because my team is doing so well, I didn’t have nearly as many questions today. I guess this is a good thing, but between that and not getting a good night’s sleep last night, it’s been a rough night. McDonald’s for dinner, I miss broccoli, and a meeting were the highlights, but again, I’m so proud of my team and how well they are doing!
Off to sleep, I’m determined to get on a schedule!!
With Love,
Eli
Count Down to Home: 55 days…
Day 59: The New Kid
After forcing myself to stay up till 4 am, I was able to sleep till about 2pm. I meet up with my new friends and head back over to the mall for some grub. Today’s food court adventure was a "create your own pasta" place. I have ziti with corn, onions, mushrooms, and red sauce, not to be confused with spaghetti sauce, defiantly not the same thing. It was ok, but defiantly not my favorite.
Once back from my breakfast meal of lunch food eaten at dinner time, I ran upstairs for a cup of coffee. I feel bad that somehow I ended up in this Royal Club room, which allows me access to the lounge with lots of freebies, and no one else does, but I’m so thankful! Otherwise I would be going broke trying to have my cup of coffee every day. Everyone here drinks tea and there is a tea pot, with all kinds of tea, in every room. However, as you all know, this does me no good seeing as I’m allergic to tea. Anyway…
So tonight was the real reason I’m here, to be floor support for Group 8, Wave 3! After the “Go Live” Cake ceremony, which involved eating a piece of some of the most amazing cake, we were off! I spent my night answering questions and showing the employee of our sister company how to navigate our computer system. It was great fun to meet all these new folks and to help each of them excel at their job. I was very impressed with how well they did and hope they can keep up the pace! It was amazing how quickly the time flew by helping each of them! Yay!
I did have a little of a snag with some paperwork back home that I need to try and figure out, so I’m going to have to call it a night, or in this case a morning! ;-)
Until Next Time,
Eli
Count Down to Home: 56 days…
Once back from my breakfast meal of lunch food eaten at dinner time, I ran upstairs for a cup of coffee. I feel bad that somehow I ended up in this Royal Club room, which allows me access to the lounge with lots of freebies, and no one else does, but I’m so thankful! Otherwise I would be going broke trying to have my cup of coffee every day. Everyone here drinks tea and there is a tea pot, with all kinds of tea, in every room. However, as you all know, this does me no good seeing as I’m allergic to tea. Anyway…
So tonight was the real reason I’m here, to be floor support for Group 8, Wave 3! After the “Go Live” Cake ceremony, which involved eating a piece of some of the most amazing cake, we were off! I spent my night answering questions and showing the employee of our sister company how to navigate our computer system. It was great fun to meet all these new folks and to help each of them excel at their job. I was very impressed with how well they did and hope they can keep up the pace! It was amazing how quickly the time flew by helping each of them! Yay!
I did have a little of a snag with some paperwork back home that I need to try and figure out, so I’m going to have to call it a night, or in this case a morning! ;-)
Until Next Time,
Eli
Count Down to Home: 56 days…
Day 58: Is it still Sunday If you don’t go to Church??
Today was quite the odd day for me. The calendar says it’s Sunday, but I didn’t get up till 4 in the afternoon! Sundays are supposed to start early and involve going to Church! LOL!
So this morning, I got up in time to go enjoy some free breakfast. I was up at 10 am, quick shower (I think but honestly I’m not sure) and then down to the main dining room. Evidently I took a picture of my breakfast, it’s on Facebook, but all I remember is staring blankly into space and trying to stay awake. Eventually, I gave up, went back to my room, and slept until around 4 in the afternoon. In my defense, my body thought it was 3:30 am so if you look at it that way, I got up really early! ;-)
Once I was finally up, it was an adventure to the biggest mall I’ve ever been in. Its five stories with more stores than I have ever seen! Unfortunately, there is no India discount; they charge the same amount of money, just in rupees, for things back home. But still, it’s fun to have a mall so close!
Below the mall is the Bazaar, the India version of Wal-Mart. After purchasing lunch upstairs at the food court, who would have thought I would have to travel all the way to India to enjoy KFC, I picked up a few things for my room at the Bazaar. I got some Nutella, several Sprite, a Coke, and some juice. The hotel I’m staying at supplies me with lots of bottled drinking water so I didn’t have to purchase any of that. On the way out of the mall, there is a little gelato stand. I’m in love!! It’s about $0.75 for a small cup!
After hanging out in the lobby of the hotel for quite awhile with the other folks from work, it was off to dinner at the hotels Italian restaurant. It’s kind of funny to eat Italian food in India, but hey, it works!
Over all, today was very relaxing and gave me the chance to get to know several of the other people I’m with in this amazing country. Tomorrow is my first day at work so I should probably get some rest! Have a wonderful evening and know I miss you all!
With Love,
Eli
Count Down to Home: 57 days…
So this morning, I got up in time to go enjoy some free breakfast. I was up at 10 am, quick shower (I think but honestly I’m not sure) and then down to the main dining room. Evidently I took a picture of my breakfast, it’s on Facebook, but all I remember is staring blankly into space and trying to stay awake. Eventually, I gave up, went back to my room, and slept until around 4 in the afternoon. In my defense, my body thought it was 3:30 am so if you look at it that way, I got up really early! ;-)
Once I was finally up, it was an adventure to the biggest mall I’ve ever been in. Its five stories with more stores than I have ever seen! Unfortunately, there is no India discount; they charge the same amount of money, just in rupees, for things back home. But still, it’s fun to have a mall so close!
Below the mall is the Bazaar, the India version of Wal-Mart. After purchasing lunch upstairs at the food court, who would have thought I would have to travel all the way to India to enjoy KFC, I picked up a few things for my room at the Bazaar. I got some Nutella, several Sprite, a Coke, and some juice. The hotel I’m staying at supplies me with lots of bottled drinking water so I didn’t have to purchase any of that. On the way out of the mall, there is a little gelato stand. I’m in love!! It’s about $0.75 for a small cup!
After hanging out in the lobby of the hotel for quite awhile with the other folks from work, it was off to dinner at the hotels Italian restaurant. It’s kind of funny to eat Italian food in India, but hey, it works!
Over all, today was very relaxing and gave me the chance to get to know several of the other people I’m with in this amazing country. Tomorrow is my first day at work so I should probably get some rest! Have a wonderful evening and know I miss you all!
With Love,
Eli
Count Down to Home: 57 days…
Monday, November 2, 2009
Day 57: The Taj
Up way too early this morning since I went to bed at 5:00 am and got up at 7:30 am! I did find a cute little complimentary breakfast lounge with AMAZING coffee. They use a French press instead of an electronic maker and it is outstanding. The lounge overlooks Gurgaon, the suburb of Delhi where work and the hotel are located. Other the serious smog that the day light unveiled, the city is quite pretty. There are lots of very contemporary buildings with very neat structures. It was quite nice to have a meal that didn’t come out of a plastic wrapped airplane container! Even if it was just cheese, fruit, an egg, and some toast! ;-) I love this place!!!
Next, it was downstairs to meet the others. WOW!!! The lobby of the hotel is indescribable with its marble floors, plush furniture, fresh flowers everywhere, and water fountain ponds! I will have to post pictures to show it off!! I meet several of the team in Mumbai that flew up to visit the Taj Ma Hal as well as three others that are here with me in Delhi and two folks from our sister company here in India.
All eleven of us piled into the two vans and began the four hour adventure to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Ma Hal, in Agra, India. I say adventure, because that is exactly what it was. The streets here are about like a driveway back in country and the traffic lanes, laws, and lights are merely a suggestion. Everyone honks constantly. One little honk means “please get out of the way.” Two short honks, “get out of the way.” And if you really lay on the horn, well that means “I’m going to get out of this car if you don’t move.” It’s absolutely in sane!!
Next, it was downstairs to meet the others. WOW!!! The lobby of the hotel is indescribable with its marble floors, plush furniture, fresh flowers everywhere, and water fountain ponds! I will have to post pictures to show it off!! I meet several of the team in Mumbai that flew up to visit the Taj Ma Hal as well as three others that are here with me in Delhi and two folks from our sister company here in India.
All eleven of us piled into the two vans and began the four hour adventure to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Ma Hal, in Agra, India. I say adventure, because that is exactly what it was. The streets here are about like a driveway back in country and the traffic lanes, laws, and lights are merely a suggestion. Everyone honks constantly. One little honk means “please get out of the way.” Two short honks, “get out of the way.” And if you really lay on the horn, well that means “I’m going to get out of this car if you don’t move.” It’s absolutely in sane!!
Day 56: Welcome to India!
After the long flight, it felt so good to get off the plane and stretch my legs. Having my knees shoved in the seat in front of me for 14 hours was soooooooooo much fun, not! All donations to upgrade me to business class on the way home are current being accepted. However, I did get to really stretch my legs while I waited in this crazy long line for a “health check” and to go through customs.
While going through customs, the gentleman kept saying something about “not entered yet.” I was terrified! I thought he was saying my Visa wasn’t any good or something was wrong with my passport. I never did figure out what he was saying, but he waved me through, so I guess it wasn’t too important.
At baggage claim, I must admit, I was concerned. Due to my lack of layover in Chicago, I was so afraid they wouldn’t make it. When I saw my little neon TSA locks, my face broke out in a smile. I had everything and I was off to meet my driver. I felt so special when I came up the ramp to see a sign with Ms. Elizabeth Kroner and the fancy hotel logo! It was even better with my driver beamed at me with the biggest grin, like I was his long lost sister, when I walked towards him! I felt so welcome!!
Once outside of the airport, my nose was overwhelmed with the smell of a bonfire. Only problem, there was no fire. The pollution here is just that bad! The sky is so hazy! Once in the car, it was the roller coaster, I mean ride, to the hotel. The best twist, there was a cow in the middle of the road that we were head straight for. With no breaks involved, we turned right before hitting the poor thing! And the traffic, CRAZY!! I didn’t get out of the airport until around 1 am local time, but the streets were still buzzing!
Once to the hotel, it was serious sensory overload! I was greeted at the door with a traditional well wish and a smudge of war paint on my forehead. I was than whisked away by my personal escort to my living quarters for the next 2 months! When she opened the door, my breath was literally taken away! Real marble and hardwood floors, a rain shower the size of my bathroom back home and bathtub I would have thought I was a swimming pool if I was a few years younger! Not to mention one wall that is completely a window, a blush princess bed and a huge flat screen TV! Too bad I don’t get football over here! Well, not American football, lots of soccer though!
I also got to meet one of my colleges while here, Monica. She is great! Very friendly and reminds me of my Amy a lot!! Now I must sleep! I only have a few hours before it’s up and off to the Taj Ma Hal!!
Sweet Dreams to All!!
Eli
Count Down to Home: 59 days
While going through customs, the gentleman kept saying something about “not entered yet.” I was terrified! I thought he was saying my Visa wasn’t any good or something was wrong with my passport. I never did figure out what he was saying, but he waved me through, so I guess it wasn’t too important.
At baggage claim, I must admit, I was concerned. Due to my lack of layover in Chicago, I was so afraid they wouldn’t make it. When I saw my little neon TSA locks, my face broke out in a smile. I had everything and I was off to meet my driver. I felt so special when I came up the ramp to see a sign with Ms. Elizabeth Kroner and the fancy hotel logo! It was even better with my driver beamed at me with the biggest grin, like I was his long lost sister, when I walked towards him! I felt so welcome!!
Once outside of the airport, my nose was overwhelmed with the smell of a bonfire. Only problem, there was no fire. The pollution here is just that bad! The sky is so hazy! Once in the car, it was the roller coaster, I mean ride, to the hotel. The best twist, there was a cow in the middle of the road that we were head straight for. With no breaks involved, we turned right before hitting the poor thing! And the traffic, CRAZY!! I didn’t get out of the airport until around 1 am local time, but the streets were still buzzing!
Once to the hotel, it was serious sensory overload! I was greeted at the door with a traditional well wish and a smudge of war paint on my forehead. I was than whisked away by my personal escort to my living quarters for the next 2 months! When she opened the door, my breath was literally taken away! Real marble and hardwood floors, a rain shower the size of my bathroom back home and bathtub I would have thought I was a swimming pool if I was a few years younger! Not to mention one wall that is completely a window, a blush princess bed and a huge flat screen TV! Too bad I don’t get football over here! Well, not American football, lots of soccer though!
I also got to meet one of my colleges while here, Monica. She is great! Very friendly and reminds me of my Amy a lot!! Now I must sleep! I only have a few hours before it’s up and off to the Taj Ma Hal!!
Sweet Dreams to All!!
Eli
Count Down to Home: 59 days
Day 55 (official version) Fly, Baby Fly!
This morning started with a wrap up of packing and checking, checking again, and double checking to make sure I have everything I could possibly needed for my month adventure. Devin and I then went to have brunch together before it was time take me to the airport. We went to Mimi’s Café and I enjoyed some of the best quiche I’ve had. It was wonderful, but then again, maybe I was just hungry! ;-)
After a quick trip back to the apartment to potty and put away leftovers, it was off to the Kansas City Airport for the biggest individual adventure of my life to begin. I suppose you could argue that this adventure began back in June or July when I volunteered, but let’s not be technical.
After the 40 minute drive, we arrived at the airport. Devin helped me carry my bags to the ticket counter and walked me to the security check point. Then it was time for a tearfully good bye and a frantic attempt to give each other enough hugs and kisses to last two months.
Security was a breeze and the WiFi was fun. The time flew by as I had to wait my two extra hours for my weather delayed flight thanks to Facebook. The flight to Chicago went by quickly too, but due to my flight from KC being delayed, I only had about 20 minutes to grab a bite to eat and race to the other end of the O’Hare Terminal. I made my flight just in time to board for India! The best part, insert sarcastic tone, we hurry onto the plane; they rush us to our seats, taxi us to the run way, and shut off the engines. Gotta love Chicago’s O’Hare!! After a “short” hour and a half, we were finally cleared for takeoff and the 14 hour flight began.
Surprisingly enough, so far the flight is not so bad. Dinner was edible although not flavorful, but my seat buddy is fantastic! She was born and raised in India but has been in the US for years. She is a wealth of India knowledge!
I guess I should try and sleep a bit! Next post will be from India!!
Eli
After a quick trip back to the apartment to potty and put away leftovers, it was off to the Kansas City Airport for the biggest individual adventure of my life to begin. I suppose you could argue that this adventure began back in June or July when I volunteered, but let’s not be technical.
After the 40 minute drive, we arrived at the airport. Devin helped me carry my bags to the ticket counter and walked me to the security check point. Then it was time for a tearfully good bye and a frantic attempt to give each other enough hugs and kisses to last two months.
Security was a breeze and the WiFi was fun. The time flew by as I had to wait my two extra hours for my weather delayed flight thanks to Facebook. The flight to Chicago went by quickly too, but due to my flight from KC being delayed, I only had about 20 minutes to grab a bite to eat and race to the other end of the O’Hare Terminal. I made my flight just in time to board for India! The best part, insert sarcastic tone, we hurry onto the plane; they rush us to our seats, taxi us to the run way, and shut off the engines. Gotta love Chicago’s O’Hare!! After a “short” hour and a half, we were finally cleared for takeoff and the 14 hour flight began.
Surprisingly enough, so far the flight is not so bad. Dinner was edible although not flavorful, but my seat buddy is fantastic! She was born and raised in India but has been in the US for years. She is a wealth of India knowledge!
I guess I should try and sleep a bit! Next post will be from India!!
Eli
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